When I have a question of who, what, when I look up the question on Wikipedia for general background and also check the “discussion” page. They give me a quick explanation and some references.
If that is sufficient for the “facts” I need, I move on. Using Wikipedia for analysis is like using the NY Times data base of Time Magazine databases.
It is very complicated to describe because a lot of judgement is involved. I tried other online data bases but they are not as helpful for lining up raw data. Of course the Wikipedia write-ups are then compared to other individual sites. Hope this helps. I have began a file of examples of what I consider bias in the articles, particularly where the discussion page gives the comments short shift.
Thanks for that explanation. I avoid wikipedia like the plague for anything political or liberal vs conservative. I use it for neutral things, though. It can be helpful if, as you said, ones judgement is involved.